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The modern workplace can be stressful–to say the least. Most of us work out of necessity, and yet we also have unique motivations that fuel our creativity. What inspires us not just to work but to do our very best? Is there a right or wrong approach to work? What drives highly ambitious or ultra competitive people? To help answer these questions, I’m joined by Eugene Chang and licensed therapist Tim Long. Tim helps us interpret our different approaches to work through the lens of a professional counselor, and sheds light on the hidden forces at play (no pun intended) in how we approach our careers.

Apologies for being blunt, but why does government suck right now? And what can we do about it? Once again, it’s something the mainstream media hasn’t told you. Here’s my theory for why politics is so dysfunctional — and the one (and maybe ONLY) thing that will fix it.

Music:
Husky – Joey Pecoraro
Tired Boy – Joey Pecoraro

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White privilege is not an easy topic to talk about. In fact, arguably in certain circles the number one rule about white privilege is you don’t talk about white privilege. Jennifer and Jeremy return to provide a thoughtful, respectful, and personal conversation about racial privilege. What it is, why it’s so hard to talk about, and ways we can move the dialogue forward in a healthy way. We also discuss Princeton Theological Seminary’s recent decision to rescind the Kuyper Prize from Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

Thank you Jeremy and Jennifer for another insightful, deeply entertaining conversation! Listeners, let us know what you thought of the show. 🙂

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I would really, really appreciate if you could like or follow my new What Just Happened? podcast Facebook page. Several people have suggested for a while that I create one (thank you! – you know who you are). I’m moving all forthcoming updates concerning the podcast off of my personal Facebook profile and onto the new page—including a new upcoming episode with returning guests Jeremy Weese and Jennifer Lee Koh!

Thank you everyone for all your amazing comments and feedback and for listening to the podcast! 🙂

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Dave Wallace and I have had several conversations about whitewashing over the past year. He and I come from very different places, and that becomes evident in our differences of opinion. But despite our disagreements, I’ve appreciated our civil, respectful dialogues about a sensitive topic. It’s something I wish we saw more of in the mainstream press.

In any event, at long last Ghost in the Shell has come out in theaters, and Dave and I caught up one more time to discuss our thoughts on the movie and where we stood on the whitewashing controversy.

Thank you Dave for an honest & thoughtful discussion!

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Music from the Ghost in the Shell Original Motion Picture Soundtrack:
Ghost in the Shell – Steve Aoki Remix
Reincarnation – Kenji Kawaii (1995)

Critics are sharply divided over 2017’s live action remake of Beauty and the Beast. Find out where Eugene and I stand on this box office behemoth. We talk about the visual imagery, the music, the characters, the new scenes, how it compares to the 1991 animated classic, and Eugene tests his wits on an impromptu Disney Princess quiz!

Thank you Eugene Chang for another fun review!

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It doesn’t seem humanly possible. Swim 2.4 miles in open water. Bike 112 miles–farther than the distance from Manhattan to Philadelphia. And then, assuming you have any energy left, run a full length marathon, 26.2 miles. All back to back to back, in less than 17 hours. That is the Ironman triathlon—widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world. (And not to be confused with “Iron Man” Tony Stark of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.) Today, I speak with three men who have all completed full length Ironman races and are training for more.

I ask them to do a bit of soul searching–while I do a bit of my own–as they talk about what drives their ambition to compete in this crazy race. They discuss what it takes to finish an Ironman and whether or not it’s fair to describe Ironman training as “selfish.” (Lots of shout outs to significant others in this episode!) We talk about training schedules, logistics, nutrition, and the mental challenges of completing a race. And in a twist, regular contributor—and triathlete in her own right—Jennifer Lee Koh joins us to reveal what it’s like to be an “Ironmate.”

Many thanks to Rob Koh, Jack Chen, and Sam Chung for taking the time to talk and reflect! Sam, Jack, and Rob are all part of the Trinity Endurance Club or TEC—a group that Sam started to build and foster a community of fitness fans. This was such a fun conversation, and I am so inspired by your stories!

Thanks for listening!

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If Angry Asian Man had become a professor rather than a blogger, his career might have looked a lot like Dr. Nancy Wang Yuen’s. Nancy spent years having candid conversations with actors, directors, talent agents and others in the industry. Her research led to her book, “Reel Inequality: Hollywood Actors and Racism.” In our wide ranging conversation, she shares her insights about Hollywood, race, structural inequality, and overcoming stereotypes. We also talk Oscars, the first movie Nancy watched (think Cher), and as a self-identified “pop culture geek,” her geekiest pop culture interest.

Also, I need to make an important clarification. At one point in our conversation, I brought up the completely hypothetical question of what would happen if an Arab American tried out for the part of Captain America in the Marvel movies. (Spoiler alert: He wouldn’t get it.) Moments later, Nancy mentioned the American born Sikh who made news dressing up as Captain America for cosplay. That’s when I foolishly blurted out, “That’s who I was thinking.” I’m not sure what I was thinking but Vishavjit Singh, the man who dresses up as Sikh Captain America is NOT Arab nor from any part of the Middle East. He is the son of South Asian immigrants. Sikhs are also not Muslims. Just wanted to make that clear.

Thanks for listening!

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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Eugene is back for a conversation about The Lego Batman Movie! I offer my bold outrageous theory that the movie — while perfectly kid friendly — is ultimately not a “kids movie” (and who it’s really for). Eugene reveals what he thought about Will Arnett’s Batman and how this movie compared to the original. Hint: It’s not a sequel. And we both talk about our favorite scenes.

Thank you Eugene Chang for another fun review!

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Music from The LEGO Batman Movie soundtrack:
“Forever,” by DNCE
“Friends Are Family,” by Oh, Hush! & Co.

We are HOURS away from the inauguration of President Donald Trump and I am THRILLED to have Jeremy Weese on the show. And even more good news, regular contributor Jennifer Lee Koh is back. We didn’t scare her away! 🙂

We take a deep dive into why white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump in such large numbers and why Jeremy thinks evangelicals “don’t know how to vote.” Jennifer explains what sanctuary cities are and we discuss the looming battle between federal and local governments over immigration. Thank you so much Jennifer and Jeremy for coming by! Enjoy the show!